Field Trips
Your Next Field Trip Awaits…
At Tampa Bay Watch, providing memorable, hands-on science field trips is our specialty. We find that students learn best through interactive, age-appropriate lessons.
Led by experienced marine science educators, each program is aligned with Next Generation Sunshine State Standards and designed to engage students in hands-on, experiential labs and activities. Whether seining, dissecting, or identifying species, students develop a connection with the estuary ecosystem and leave feeling inspired. Book now or see below for a list of available locations and programs!
Visit Us
We host field trip programs at two locations – the Auer Marine Education Center in Tierra Verde and the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center on the St. Pete Pier. We also offer Marine Science on the Move, a mobile classroom that brings the field trip directly to you!
Field Trip Locations and Programs
If you are unable to visit both locations (which we strongly encourage!), here are a few hints to help you choose the Tampa Bay Watch destination that best fits your needs:
Marine Education Center in Tierra Verde
• Field trips are based out of our private field station on beautiful Shell Key Preserve
• Maximum capacity is 50 students
• Activities unique to Tierra Verde include kayaking and seining
• Participate in a boat-based otter trawl aboard our 32’ USCG-certified vessel to encounter various Tampa Bay species
The Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center on the St. Pete Pier
• Field trips are based out of our state-of-the-art classroom on the St. Pete Pier
• Maximum classroom capacity is 25 people, maximum boat capacity is 45 passengers, larger groups can be accommodated by rotating between activities
• Activities unique to the Discovery Center include a lionfish dissection and tours of our interactive exhibit gallery and aquariums
• Participate in an otter trawl or choose from a variety of themed boat trips aboard our 45’ USCG-certified vessel
Marine Science on the Move
Tampa Bay Watch is excited to bring traveling marine science programs to you!
If transportation is a challenge, our Marine Science on the Move vans are ready to deliver top notch content (and animal ambassadors!) directly to your location.
Great American Teach In (GATI)
Every year we receive many requests, and we do our best to visit as many schools as possible. Please complete our GATI application form if you are interested in having our educators come out to your school.
Estuary Education Is For Everyone!
Accessibility is central to our mission and programs, and financial assistance is available for qualifying groups. Our field trip request form includes an optional application.
Want To Dive Deeper?
Seagrass Academy offers multi-day field trip experiences designed to grow with students year after year.